6/21/12

Going Home

California Street cable car
via A Southerner in San Francisco 
I'm homesick. In the past I would pack up the kids and say "So Long" to my love and hit the road. But the last time I did that my 3rd kiddo was 15 months and we were gone for a whole  month and I came back pooped as last weeks diaper pail. So I haven't done it since. And I guess I'm missing it.

There were a few factors that contributed to this state. And I want to share them with you because they are great.

First was a blog by James A Martin, A Southerner in San Francisco. I really like reading his personal blog and this one touched home. I grew up just minutes from the city and have always thought of San Fran as home. This post about 5 things that can only happen in SF was lots of fun. A great trip down memory lane. I particularly remember trying to drive with my friends to our girlfriends wedding, all done up with a car full of brides maids when we got struck in traffic. Not your run of the mill traffic however as it was the annual Folsom Street Fair. We sat in the throng of the leather queens and got a front row seat to the show. I remember thinking we were going to miss the wedding! We did make it however, and made some fun memories that include backless chaps and lots of chains. 

This brought on so many other memories of growing up so close to the City. The first Earth Day at Chrissy Fields, The Bill Graham Memorial Concert, Shopping in the thrift stores, the commuter train, China town. I could go on. 


Loot store front, Santa Cruz CA

I had a friend post a picture of herself on Facebook that brought another flood back. It was of her on a beach lined with eucalyptus trees. She lives in Santa Cruz. My other favorite city. Memories of the boardwalk as a kid, or the National Beach Volleyball Tournament at the boardwalk as a teen (I was a spectator and enjoyed every minute of it!). Walking the tide pools at Natural Bridges. Again, more memories than I can count. But this friend owns a shop now in SC called Loot and I would love to go see it! She refinishes and sells vintage home furnishings and teaches classes. How I would love to go and learn from her first hand and not through messaging! She also participated in a weekend fair at Yoder's Goat Farm in Los Gatos, close to where my husband grew up and I would have loved to have seen it. 

byrd & vellum photography 
Lastly, another friend started a photo studio, byrd and vellum, and her work is to die for! I want to go have a photo shoot with her SO bad! You can check her out on Facebook here. Can't you just see some great, vintage cowgirl shots but in the city some where!? She is so talented! 

So I guess I have my next road trip all planned out! And now that we have a date for our 20th high school reunion, perhaps it may just happen! Wouldn't that be fun! 

11 comments:

  1. I have been feeling the same way recently, so much so that I am going to truck my 3 month old from Ohio to Florida in a mere 2 weeks. I am beyond tired just thinking of the trip...but I really need a few days sitting in the sand listening to the crystal blue water crash against the shore. Not to mention I'm just missing my mommy.

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    1. Wait, forget SF, I'm coming with you! No really, I love Florida! That will have to be another post... Thanks for coming around!

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  2. Hi! Following you from TGIF Blog Hop! Would appreciate the follow back! Have a great day & weekend! -Kat

    http://mom-uncensored.blogspot.com

    P.S. I am from California, too. I grew up minutes from Santa Cruz. Awesome area!

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    1. Kat, thanks for the follow! If you haven't seen yet, I'm following you back! Keep in touch!

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  3. Sorry you're homesick. I hope you get to take your trip soon.

    I love the idea of vintage cowboy shots in the city. That would be awesome!

    Stopping by from SITS. Have a great weekend.

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    1. Thanks! I was thinking China Town… LOL! We'll see. But a for sure thing to do! Thanks for coming around!

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  4. Fabulous photos! Wishing you a safe, fun, and restorative trip in your near future!

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    1. Thank you! It won't happen until next summer. The high school reunion isn't until 2013. But for now I'm excited about having company next week. If I can't go to Mom, than she's coming to me! Have a great weekend!

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  5. Ranch Mama, thank you so much for mentioning my blog. You know, as blog writers, we really don't make any money. But when I hear that something I wrote had a positive impact in some way, what more could I want? (Well, OK, money too would be nice).

    Anyhow, thank you for the shout out! -- Jim

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    1. Anytime! I don't get to read as much as I like, but you always bring me home when I do. Thanks!

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  6. Hi Kristen! Thank you for posting about my shop on your blog:)I hope you can come home for a visit soon!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog too and for your nice comment about the Chalk Paint table & bench. It really is easy and much cheaper and more rewarding than buying a new table! I think you can convince the hubby :)

    Have a great week!

    xoxo
    Amanda

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Thanks, Y'all for sharing your thoughts! I'm love'n hear'n from ya!